Prepare and Protect
Your Mare and Foal

Foaling is a distress event
3 Stages of Labor
While some mares may show few or subtle signs of distress during the 3 stages of labor, most mares will show marked distress as evidenced by an increase in their heart rate and respiration, and changes in their behavior.
Stage 1 (1-4 hrs)
  • Colic symptoms
  • Pawing
  • Sweating
  • Increase RR/effort
  • Gentle rolling
Stage 2 (5-20 mins)
  • Water breaks
  • Active straining
  • Foal emerges
Stage 3 (1-3 hrs)
  • Passing of placenta
The 1-2-3 Rule
Following the birth of a newborn foal, there are 3 rules directly linked to the health and wellbeing of the foal and the mare.
1 Hour = Foal to stand
2 Hours = Foal to nurse
3 Hours = Mare to pass placenta
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Evolutionary Advantage

It is believed that most mares foal at night because it’s an innate survival advantage for the new foal to be ready and able to run with the mare by first daylight.

2 Alert Modes

Select an EDI® score (1 to 10) representing degree of deviation from your horse’s normal biometric and behavior parameters.

Set your own threshold for heart rate, respiration, and/or activity level indicating agitation, discomfort, or restlessness.

“If it wasn’t for NIGHTWATCH® I wouldn’t have been there in time for the birth of my foal.”

- Erica D -

“As an owner and breeder, I have a tremendous responsibility and NIGHTWATCH® gives me the peace of mind I need.“

- Kathy B -

Up to one-third of mares are at risk of losing their foal before birth

  • Equine gestation is a long process (~11 months on average) that takes a high emotional and financial toll on owners and breeders, especially if there are fertility challenges or one experiences the loss of a foal.
  • Infection is the leading cause of premature birth and associated with a high risk for placentitis and premature placental separation (ie, red bag foaling).

10% of mares experience complications during foaling

  • Although most foaling events proceed uneventfully, approximately 10% can have complications or dystocia,
    with abnormalities in fetal posture being most common.
  • If there are signs of trouble, early referral for treatment is key to a good outcome for both mare and foal; a complicated birth should always be regarded as an emergency.

Mares are at greatest risk for colic within the first 3 months
after foaling

  • Large colon torsion is the most common cause of colic
    during the first 100 days post foaling and requires surgery.
  • Foaling mares are at risk of serious displacement colic
    within the first 60 days after giving birth due to the enlarged amount of space still present in the abdomen.
The health of a pregnant mare directly correlates with the health of her foal
Foals from mares with comprised health have greater odds of death
  • 19x
    Abnormal placenta
  • 8x  
    History of illness during pregnancy
Foals with complications are more likely to die
  • 21x
    Foals with seizures (in the first 24 hours)
  • 6x  
    Foals with complications (during hospitalization)
Up to 15% of mares may experience serious complications after foaling
Retained placentas and uterine infections are some of the most common problems, as well as cervical tears, vaginal bruising and tears, poor milk production, mastitis, and rectal-vaginal tears.

Be notified to early signs
of foaling with a smart halter™

so you can be by their side when they need you most, and closely monitor your mare for complications before, during, and after birth.

Place your smart halter™
on your pregnant mare

30 days prior to her foal date and monitor her for at least 3 months thereafter.

A single smart halter™
can be transferred

between multiple horses making it a must have for every owner, breeder, trainer, and veterinarian this foaling season.

Gen 2.0